Minoxidil Side Effects: What to Know About This Hair Loss Ingredient
Hair is more than a part of our appearance — it's an expression of our identity, one that makes a statement without us saying a word. And noticeable hair loss can cause you to panic. But before you start seeking out miracle "cures" to stimulate hair growth, take a pause. Using minoxidil or other chemically derived hair loss treatments can result in adverse effects.
Here’s what you need to know about minoxidil, and what you can do to support thicker looking hair.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil was initially developed and tested in the 1950s as a cure for ulcers and proved ineffective. Later, in the 1970s, it was approved by the Food & Drug Administration as an oral medication to treat high blood pressure. Then, an unexpected side effect was discovered: hair growth.
Minoxidil, which is known by various brand names, most popularly Rogaine, was prescribed to men beginning in 1988 and women in 1991. Minoxidil is now available over-the-counter and is the only FDA-approved treatment for female hair loss. Minoxidil is available as a topical foam solution, shampoo, serum and 2% or 5% scalp drops.
Using minoxidil and other drugs are common methods to treat hair loss, stimulate hair growth or address other hair disorders. However, minoxidil isn't considered an effective treatment for postpartum alopecia.
Also: Spironolactone Side Effects Explained
How Minoxidil Works as a Hair Treatment
Minoxidil is known as a vasodilator medication; it makes the blood vessels widen in order to create more expansive blood flow. Researchers think that minoxidil may allow more blood to reach the hair follicles. In turn, this increased blood flow can help with overall circulation, improving scalp health (which is the foundation for increasing hair growth) and may contribute to an improvement in visible hair thickness or density.
A Natural Alternative to Support Thicker Looking Hair
But harsh treatments aren't for everyone. In that case, consider GRO Hair Serum, a natural plant-powered alternative, which has been clinically proven to increase the appearance of hair density by up to 52% and reduce signs of shedding by up to 76%. This vegan serum is free of hormones and toxins, and you can see results in as little as 90 days with consistent, daily use.
Hair Story: Minoxidil Didn't Work for Me, But This Product Did
Potential Side Effects of Minoxidil
In case you were wondering, minoxidil does have potential side effects. And while the most common side effects of minoxidil products are generally less severe than the adverse effects that can be associated with other hair loss treatments, such as finasteride, but it's still good to be aware.
Skin irritation is the most common side effect of topical minoxidil. To determine how your skin will react, consult the patient instructions. Skin reactions typically take place within a few minutes to a few hours and may include itching, flaking, redness, irritation and burning. This sort of inflammatory response will add stress to your hair follicles and may prevent the growth of healthy hair, serving as an indicator that minoxidil is not right for you.
Also, if you accidentally splash the product on your face, you may experience the sprouting of unwanted hairs, aka facial hypertrichosis. This type of facial hair growth is the experience of anywhere from 3%-51% of women who use the product.
Ironically, minoxidil has also been linked with a temporary loss of hair, known as telogen effluvium. This happens because using minoxidil may shorten the resting phase of the hair follicles, which is called the telogen phase, as well as stimulating the anagen or growth phase. This tends to occur typically two to eight weeks after treatment starts.
Other potential side effects that may occur include:
- Scalp irritation
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heart rate
- Headaches
- Chest pains
- Trouble in or difficulty breathing
- Changes in hair color and texture
- Weight gain
- Allergic reactions
- Skin rash or another skin-related allergic reaction
The percentage of women who have reported experiencing these issues, however, is relatively low, around 2%-3%. However, any serious side effects when using minoxidil should be immediately discussed with a doctor or other health care provider.
Related: What Medications Can Cause Hair Loss
See Your Doctor for Troubling Hair Loss Concerns
When you initially notice any sort of troubling hair loss, it's best to seek professional medical advice. Ask your dermatologist, health care provider or trichologist about possible causes, which could potentially include hormone imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. A dermatologist can also perform a hair pull test to determine the cause of the hair shedding.
It's important to note that many women will eventually develop some degree of female pattern hair loss, typically noticed around major hormonal life shifts, such as menopause. This common phenomenon is called androgenetic alopecia, and it involves the activity of male hormones called androgens.
While the precise role of androgens in women is not yet completely understood, as a woman, if you're noticing hair loss, it's important to tell your doctor to rule out the possibility of an androgen-secreting tumor or seek medical attention immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Polycystic ovary syndrome, for instance, results in an excess of androgens, which can cause hair thinning in women.
Related: What to Do If Your Eyelashes are Falling Out During Pregnancy or Postpartum
Alternative Hair Helpers
If you're experiencing hair loss or shedding, consider nixing the chemicals and side effects found in minoxidil products by opting for plant-powered products that encourage fuller, thicker hair naturally.
For example, if you're experiencing stress-related hair loss or thinning hair, consider tapping into powerful phyto-actives paired with therapeutic, healing hemp oil via best-selling products:
- GRO+ Advanced Scalp Detoxifying Serum: Gently removes scalp buildup while calming scalp stress and eliminating harmful bacteria, which can interfere with healthy hair growth.
- GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo: Cleans and purifies hair, while soothing scalp irritation and energizing hair follicles.
- GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Conditioner: Smoothes and coats each strand of hair with a vegan keratin replacement, known as Karmatin™.
- GRO+ Advanced Hair Care Gummies: Contain 10 mg of CBD and 10 mg of CBG per gummy, plus an array of essential vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, folic acid and vitamins A, B-5, 6,9,12, C and E, which give your hair what it needs to flourish.
And if GRO+ Advanced products containing hemp aren't for you, opt for our GRO hair wellness products, including shampoo, conditioner, serums, foam and gummies, which contain plenty of hair-healthy benefits without added hemp.
The Takeaway
Besides caring for your hair and scalp with toxin-free wellness products, it's important to take a 360-degree approach to wellness: Strive to lead a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle that also includes regular exercise, adequate sleep and self-care. Your hair and your body will thank you!
More from VEGAMOUR:
- What You Should Know About Stress and Hair Loss
- The Major Differences Between Minoxidil and VEGAMOUR
- Finasteride Side Effects Explained
- 5 Hair Loss FAQs Answered by a Doctor
